Destination Engagement Session Location Ideas

Often when it comes to destination events for a wedding, we only think of the wedding day — but what about a destination engagement session? These are quickly becoming one of my favorite things to photograph (and something my fiancé and I did ourselves since we had a hometown wedding day!).

A destination engagement session gives you a chance to travel, experience something different, and capture your relationship in a setting that feels meaningful and inspiring. It’s not just about the photos — it’s about the experience of slowing down and soaking up a time that’s all about the two of you.

When to Consider a Destination Engagement Session

I don’t think there’s any “right” or “wrong” time to plan a destination engagement session — but there are definitely a few scenarios where I’d highly recommend it.

You’re having a hometown wedding and want something different.

If your wedding day will be local, a destination engagement session is the perfect chance to bring variety to your gallery. You’ll already have plenty of photos at your venue and in your hometown, so why not choose somewhere that offers a completely different backdrop and mood? It gives your engagement session its own identity and makes your final collection feel more dynamic and diverse.

Your destination holds special meaning in your relationship.

Maybe it’s the city where you first met, a favorite vacation spot, or a place that just feels like “you.” Incorporating a destination that’s sentimental transforms your engagement photos into something even more personal. Every photo becomes layered with nostalgia — whether it’s the boardwalk you’ve walked a hundred times together or a mountain overlook you both fell in love with on your first trip.

You want to work with a specific photographer (but not fly them in for the wedding).

Sometimes you find a photographer whose work you really connect with — but they’re not local, and flying them out for your wedding might not make sense for your budget. Doing a destination engagement session in their area can be the perfect solution! You get to travel somewhere new, have an amazing experience together, and work with someone whose artistry you admire.

Choosing your Destination Engagement Session Location

Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with a few specific places for destination engagement photos. Each one offers its own kind of magic.

California

This session will always go down as one of my favorites — not just because I got to photograph two of my best friends, but because we had such an incredible time doing it in Malibu at El Matador Beach. The golden cliffs, ocean waves, and dreamy light made every frame feel cinematic. We explored, laughed, and captured them in one of their favorite places to be together.

See more of Tori and Daniel’s El Matador Beach engagement session!

Washington

When Naomi and Christian asked me to come to Washington for their engagement session, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. I loved that we split their shoot between downtown Seattle — with its energy, coffee shops, and architecture — and the serene mountains just outside the city. That mix of urban and natural backdrops made their Seattle engagement photos feel like a true reflection of their life together there.

See more from Naomi and Christian’s Seattle engagement session!

Cancun

With lots of time together for their destination wedding in Cancun, we decided to sneak in a quick beach engagement session for Lauren and Ryan. They were already dressed for their welcome party, so we headed down to the water just as the light softened — and I loved that decision so much. Not only does it reflect their shared love of the beach, but it gave them a gallery of relaxed, joyful photos before the big day.